medicinal herbsElsholtzia ciliata

Herb latin name: Elsholtzia ciliata

Synonyms: Elsholtzia cristata, Elsholtzia patrinii

Family: Labiatae

Medicinal use of Elsholtzia ciliata:

The plant is antibacterial, antipyretic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic. Its use is said to relieve the effects of excess alcohol. It is used in the treatment of common colds, fevers, headaches, diarrhoea, oedema and oliguria. The plant has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

Annual

Height:

60 cm(2 feet)

Flowering:

August toSeptember

Habitat of the herb:

Edible parts of Elsholtzia ciliata:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. Finely cut then added to salads or used as a potherb. The leaves can be used as an aromatic condiment for vegetable dishes. The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs.